DETROIT -- It’s a plum assignment, skating on the Detroit Red Wings’ top line with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

Todd Bertuzzi is confident he is up to the task.

“I think I’m capable of playing with those guys,” Bertuzzi said. “It would be nice to get some chemistry with them and try to contribute (with) The Mule out. I think it’s a spot I can be successful in.”

He didn’t pick up any points in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Washington, but his hustle and defensive play prompted coach Mike Babcock to say it was the best he’s seen Bertuzzi perform “in a number of years.”

“I’m just trying to get better each game,” Bertuzzi said. “I feel like my legs are there, had a handful of chances. A bounce here, a bounce there could have went in.”

Babcock made some line changes following Johan Franzen’s knee injury. He reunited Datsyuk and Zetterberg, who had been centering separate lines, and replaced their usual sidekick, Tomas Holmstrom, with Bertuzzi.

It enables the Red Wings to keep Valtteri Filppula, who has been skating well, at center on the second line with Ville Leino and Dan Cleary.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Bertuzzi wants to show he still can be a first-line forward. He was regarded as the league’s top power forward when he played on a dominant line with Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison in Vancouver several years ago.

Bertuzzi needs to limit his turnovers -- he’s tied for the team lead with six -- and adjust his game to play with Datsyuk and Zetterberg.

“I have to drive the net, stay in front of the net, try to create some space for them, make sure defensively I’m responsible,” Bertuzzi said. “The way they play, it’s just a matter of time before we get a handful (of goals).”

Playing with Datsyuk forces him to be alert for slick passes.

“He’s just one of those gifted players,” Bertuzzi said. “When you don’t think you’re going to get (the puck), you end up getting it. So you got to be aware at all times.”

Eaves makes debutPatrick Eaves had four shots on goal and a minus-1 rating in his Red Wings debut Saturday. Signed as a free agent in August, Eaves’ strengths are his speed and forechecking ability. He also kills penalties.

But he will need to battle for a regular spot in the lineup, as the team will have two extra forwards when Darren Helm returns from his shoulder injury.

“I thought our line (with Kris Draper and Brad May) contributed with a lot of energy, had a couple of good penalty-kills,” Eaves said. “I thought we were part of the game.”Odds & ends• Holding the high-powered Capitals to 23 shots was more to Babcock’s liking, after his team allowed 32 and 34 shots, respectively, in its previous two games.

“Our first game (23 shots against) and this game was more what we’re looking for, around 23 shots against and not too many opportunities,’’ Babcock said. “If you play like that you give yourself a chance.’’

• Bertuzzi, on Ovechkin: “He’s got that charisma, that speed and flair. That’s what our spot needs and he’s doing a good job carrying the torch. He’s machine-like. He goes, goes, goes and goes.’’

• Babcock’s preseason plan was to reduce ice time for Datsyuk and Zetterberg to keep them fresh. But Datsyuk played 22:28 and Zetterberg 21:59 on Saturday while matching up against Washington’s top line.